The Chaser – Infinite (MV)
16 May 2012 2 Comments
in asian, infinite, korean, kpop Tags: asian, Hoya, infinite, korean, kpop, L, sunggyu
I was supposed to make two other posts yesterday but sleep got the better of me.
So Infinite has come back with a new song called The Chaser 추격자.
I wasn’t really an Infinite fan when they first started out. A friend of mine was and was trying to make me like them. But I did like how graceful and well coordinated they are when they move. But when I heard Be Mine, that song blew me off and now I’m rooting for them! Though I still have to get to the part where I have to identify their names… I can recognize their faces though I only know Sunggyu, L and Hoya.
I was expecting a lot from this song, but I was a little bit disappointed that it did not match up to Be Mine 내꺼하자. The song does sound a bit like Be Mine. I think this is the sound that Infinite want us to recognize that it’s theirs. When I hear something like this I get the Be Mine feeling. I think Be Mine had a much stronger sound that sticks to your head. But don’t get me wrong, I like the song, maybe I was just expecting a song that could top Be Mine. That being said, Be Mine is my favorite Infinite song (then Cover Girl and Amazing!).
Now on to the video… well there’s this thing about the car that was tumbling over… its to put it in a nice way, not edited properly. There was nothing wrong with L’s acting just that it was ridiculous to see that same car tumbling over and it’s not even convincing for me. It’s like they just replayed, rewind, fast forward it, took it from another angle. I think they could have done better! The dance as usual was flawless. I think that’s why I like watching them boys because they are so in sync when they dance. Now I want to see the dance version of the MV.
So to conclude, though this was a good song, to me it isn’t their best song. I still think Be Mine is the best release Infinite song!
**credits: wooliment@yt
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Recommended Movie: Sunny (Korean Movie)
11 May 2012 2 Comments
in asian, asian movies, korean, sunny Tags: asian, kang sora, korean, korean movie, sunny, sunny movie
I saw this movie awhile ago but I haven’t had the chance to recommend it. I’m sure a lot of you have seen this. And to me it has become my favorite Korean movie to date.
The movie is not about losing the one you love or finding love in the most uncommon place, but it’s about friendship. And this movie is called Sunny.
Synopsis:
The film is about the story of 7 high school friends. The film begins by letting us know the usual routine of our heroine Nami. She is a wealthy homemaker. One day, she went to the hospital to visit her sick mom. It was on that day that she sees a patient who was struggling and shouting in her hospital ward. She reads the name on the door and it says “Han Chunhwa”. Seeing the name makes her remember of her high school days. Later, she finds out that Chunhwa was indeed her friend from high school. Apparently she is diagnosed with cancer and that she was dying. Chunhwa asks Nami if she can find the other members of their high school group “Sunny”. It’s her dying wish and Nami obliges. And thus starts the story of them remembering their pasts and seeing what has happened to each of them in the present.
Sorry I don’t want to write the whole story.. kk better watch the movie!
Why I like it?
This movie brought me to tears and it’s not even a romantic movie! I am not really a sucker for friendship movies because they usually don’t have a very good story. But with this movie, I think the story was absolutely perfect. Also, Korea has more romantic comedies or drama films, but they have very few films about friends, especially about friendship of women. I guess it was a refreshing one to watch.
The transition between old and new was also brilliant. It was not annoying and I love how they connect the scenes. The perfect example was when Nami was walking back to her school.
One minute she was in the present and the next moment she was in the past. And then we see the old Nami. I loved how they did it.
I also liked that there was a balance between the fun, the sadness and the heartbreak in this movie. They did have a love line but I’m glad it was not the emphasis of the movie or else it would ruin it! This movie had me laughing and crying. And did I mention the epic fight scenes both in the past and the future was brilliant!!
Also, the music and the montages of the past were pretty effective to me. Like the one where they fought during a demonstration. I love the songs in the movie too and the musical numbers they did! Gotta love Kang Sora!!!
I know it’s not related to the movie, but I can’t help admiring the posters. From my point of view I think they did a good job with the message of the movie and the posters.
Teen Version
Grown-up Version
After watching this movie I hoped that me and my friends would never lose touch and would still be super close.
Another thing…
Though this movie is not a musical, I love how they paid homage to the song Sunny both in the past and in the present. Warning: DO NOT WATCH these videos if you don’t want any spoilers!!!
I wish me and my friends would have a friendship this long.. Enjoy!!
**credits: MissMerida and blockhead550 @yt + as tagged
More than a Handful of Korean Songs (links for DL)
28 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in alex, asian, clazziquai, DBSK, gavy nj, jang ri in, jyj, kpop, mc mong, super junior, Yurisangja Tags: asian, clazziquai, DBSK, korean, kpop, super junior
I have not posted in awhile… So busy with all the exams I have to make! Ugh!!! But just a few more days and it’s vacation time!! wohoo! ~~~
This post was meant to be a Valentine post but I got caught up with things.. But I’m posting it now.
In this post, you will find a colloection of songs that I really truly liked up till now. I wanted to share these songs so people can appreciate more of Kpop / Korean music and learn that it’s not just about the idols. There are lots of them whom you have not heard of yet. Also, I wanted people to know that usually there are some good songs in the albums of famous artist that are not their main songs, but should receive some recognition…
I hope you like them!
Click on the name of the song for the links 
Touche Mon Amour – Winterplay
I’m Going Crazy – MC Mong ft. M.A.C
Good Person – Super Junior
Happy Together – Super Junior
Love in the Ice (Korean version) – DBSK
Flowepot – Alex
Love Mode – Clazziquai ft. Tablo
A Love Story – Gavy NJ
Timeless – Jang Ri In ft. Junsu (JYJ)
Listen To You – Kyuhyun (Super Junior) from the OST of Pasta
Only I Don’t Know About Love – Namolla Family
I Love You – Position
I Love You – Tim
South Island – Hachi and TJ
Let Me Love You – Yurisangja
Share share share.. just don’t forget to credit ^_^
Oh and you probably won’t be reading this part.. but here is why I like these songs:
Touche Mon Amour – Winterplay >>> This genre of Korean music is not very popular yet. I love the jazz feel to it. It feels like I am not listening to a Korean song! I love the saxophone solo!! kk but what’s not to love about Winterplay. If you are tired of Kpop idol groups and you want to try something new, try listening to them! By the way, Winterplay is from the same company as Clazziquai. Their fron Fluxus. If you’ve grown tired of idols and want some refreshin Korean songs, check out their artist. I recommend Bye Bye Sea (Annyeong Bada).
I’m Going Crazy – MC Mong ft. M.A.C >>> I have to admit I am an MC Mong fan. I loved his music. I loved his variety show talents. I was kind of sad when he had to depart from the Kpop scene. But this is one of my favorites from his song. You should see the video too! It’s kind of funny and try to spot his manager on the video! LOL!
Good Person – Super Junior >>> This list cannot not have Super Junior. Anyway, contrary to their popular songs (yes I do like them), I tend to like the less popular ones better. Well maybe except for It’s You. This song is included in this list because its remake from an old Kpop song by Toy (Yoo Hee Yeol from Sketchbook). I liked this song when Toy did it and I loved it when Super Junior made it. This is what I listen to over and over again from their 4th album! Oh and this song they got to sing, even Eunhyuk!! kk
Happy Together – Super Junior >>> One of my favorites in their third album. Its a refreshing sound with a very light melody but gives you a peek that these boys can sing too.. I love that it can be a theme for friends as well as for lovers. I love it when they say “Yeongwonhi Happy Together”
Love in the Ice (Korean version) – DBSK >>> This was included in the Mirotic album of DBSK back when there were 5 members. The original version of this song was actually done in Japanese but they made a Korean one for this album with the lyrics in Korean written by Changmin. This song is a very powerful one and it really lets us hear how good this group was when it came to singing in melody! It would give me goosebumps when I heard them perform this song live! Oh and Junsu dear Junsu, how can you not love him when he’s singing such a powerful part in this song!!
Flowepot (Hwabun) – Alex >>> I have three Korean songs I love the most and I can sing quite well. Hwabun (Flowerpot) is one of them. I loved this since I heard it on Coffee Prince and I loved it even more when I heard Alex sing it! He sang it on the first season of We Got Married for Shinae. His voice really fits it. I super love this song!
Love Mode – Clazziquai ft. Tablo >>> Before my fascination for Kpop idol groups came my fascination for Clazziquai. I love this kind of music and I love how they fit Alex and Horan’s voices into a DJ Clazzi song. I especially love it when they do their blending which is very evident in this song. This song may not be very popular but I love it also because Tablo did the rap in English! I miss Clazziquai and I want to hear their songs again!!
A Love Story – Gavy NJ >>> The first song I heard from Gavy NJ and from then on I’ve never stopped listening to them. I’m always waiting for their songs. I think they are one of those groups who are not given as much attention as they should have. These three girls can sing! This song is one of my most favorites (with Hwabun). I love how they can belt the high notes of their songs.
Timeless – Jang Ri In ft. Junsu (JYJ) >>> Jang Ri In’s first single with Junsu (JYJ). I have to admit I liked it first because of Junsu and because the video had Siwon. But the more I listen to this song the more I’m loving their powerful voices blending together. Most DBSK fans would know of this song, but a lot of new fans should know about this too!
Listen To You – Kyuhyun (Super Junior) from the OST of Pasta >>> I love the drama Pasta and I love that Kyuhyun (Super Junior) did this song! This voice is absolutely perfect for it. I mean I wasn’t really a fan of his until I heard him sing in the Super Junior concert! His voice is truly the best. Not too high, not too low but he can belt a high not if he has too! Very very good!
Only I Don’t Know About Love – Namolla Family >>> Love love love Namolla Family. Well they aren’t very popular oversear but their songs are quite good and very comfortable to listen too! This is my favorite song from them. I like the song because it’s a mix of pop but as well as rap.. but not in an idol kind of way, in a relaxed way.. a song you could listen to on a lazy Sunday afternoon which will get you singing..
I Love You – Position >>> Back then sad Korean music videos were a popular trend. This was one of them. And I still like this song until now. It’s a remake from a classic Japanese song. If you are a DBSK fan, look for clips or mp3s of Changmin singing this ~~ then you’ll understand why I like it!
I Love You – Tim >>> Tim oh Tim! kkk so I am Tim’s fan. But this balladeer has a very nice voice and he was one of the original Kpop artists I really liked back when I was just getting to know about Kpop. I loved it when he sang “geudel saranghamnida…” This is by the way his first song.
South Island – Hachi and TJ >>> Ppoppo hago shipseo! kk I remember this line from We Got Married. Before all the new couples I was addicted to We Got Married when it first came out in 2008. Wow I can’t imagine that was almost 4 years ago!! Though I wasn’t really a fan of AlShin couple (that’s Alex and Shinae), I liked that songs were often associated with them. And this was one of the songs. Back in 2008 it was difficult to find sources for Kpop stuff, but thanks to my student she gave me this song and I love love it until now. I like this song also because of the island feel to it. I’ve always loved Hawaiian reggae so thus my fast attachment to the song.
Let Me Love You – Yurisangja >>> I loved this duo since I first heard their song To My Bride. And this is one of my favorites from them. It is a little popular as a lot of idols have made some covers of this but nothing beats the original performers. The songs of Yurisangja for me still sound good and I love how they can make wonderful acoustic melodies even if the song was from an idol group.
Enjoy!!
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Recommended Drama – My Name Is Kim Sam Soon
20 Jan 2012 4 Comments
in alex, asian, clazziquai, drama, kpop, my name is kim sam soon Tags: daniel henney, hyun bin, jung ryeo won, kim sam soon, kim sun ah, korean, korean drama
If you are curious about watching a Korean drama but you don’t know which Korean drama to start off with, I would recommend you to watch My Name is Kim Sam Soon (내 이름은 김삼순). 
The Story
Its a story about a girl, Kim Sam Soon, in her 30′s who has just been dumped by her boyfriend on Christmas Eve. She goes crying and eventually ends up in the men’s bathroom where she met her future boss, Hyun Jin Heon, the owner of Bon Apetit. Their first meeting is not a friendly one, but little did she know that she would be working for him as the pastry chef of his restaurant. Jin Heon’s mom is continuing to pester him about getting married so he contracted Sam Soon to be his girlfriend. Later on, they both develop feelings for one another, but things get complicated when Jin Heon’s ex-girlfriend came home. Will both Sam Soon and Jin Heon end up together?? Ok.. so I wrote this synopsis myself because I don’t want to spoil the fun of watching the drama Although we do know what happens to most romcom (romantic comedy), let’s just pretend not to know!
The Actors…
Kim Sun Ah
This is probably the best role she has ever done! She’s very very convincing..
Hyun Bin
This drama was in 2005, thus this drama was way before Secret Garden.Though we all loved him in Secret Garden, he was pretty good here for a new actor.
Jung Ryeo Won
I super love this girl. She’s one of those who made a successful cross over from being in a girl group to being an actress, she is just absolutely talented! Though this is one of her early dramas. But if you watch most of her works now, you’d be really amazed by her — try watching My Girlfriend has Two Faces.
Daniel Henney
One word! HOT! ahaha I saw Daniel Henney for the first time after watching this drama and I never stopped adoring him! He is so handsome! kk ok… i’ll stop now before I start typing about how handsome he is.. but he is so handsome, isn’t he??
Why I Like It?
Honestly, this is not the first drama that I have seen, but if I were to watch Kdrama’s all over again, I’d love to start with this. Most of the other dramas that I watched before this were all melodramas with a heavy theme. But this just hit the right spot, with me thinking at times “Why do you keep breaking my heart” or laughing like crazy. It was fun and light but with a story of its own. I guess that’s what I miss watching in romcoms. Some romcoms now just don’t have the flare of the old ones like Samsooni, Full House, Goong or Coffee Prince. To me they will always be classics.
As this drama was made in 2005, I love the fact that they made a story that many would realize and understand. In Korea its a big deal for a woman when they reach 30 and they’re not married or if they do not have a family. I am not Korean, but my Korean friends who are in their 30s have this dilemma. For most of us its just an age, but apparently there, women feel like they are old and there is that pressure to find your match before you get any older. Women also there feel that the older they are, the lesser will be the chance for them to get married. And if the pressure from the age is not enough, parents and relatives ask them when will they get married. My friend hates going to her hometown because of this pressure! To me, I think this drama made girls understand that women in their 30s still do have a chance and that they can still be beautiful!
Kim Sun Ah was at her best in this drama. She was very very effective as 30 year old chubby loveless girl. And what amazes me is that she had to put on some weight to play this girl. She’s a pro. I have to say this is Kim Sun Ah’s drama and she will forever be remembered as Kim Sam Soon! Even now, when I see her, I always associate her as Samsooni! That’s how faboulous she is!
But if you watch this drama.. please remember that this was made in 2005, so it doesn’t have all the new gadgets and high fashion of the dramas now..
The OST
This drama also had one of the most unforgettable songs! It was this drama that made Clazziquai (Alex, Horan and Dj Clazzi) popular in the mainstream Kpop music. Here are 2 of the songs from the drama which you might have heard before.
Be My Love (first part) and She Is
Picture Spam! Don’t you just love this drama!
So if you’re looking for a good Kdrama to start your Hallyu addiction, My Name is Kim Sam Soon will be a good one!
**credits: dramabeans.com + ashin103@yt + as tagged
Wish I Was There – Song Joong Ki Star Date
29 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in asian, korean, soong joongki, stars Tags: asian, korean, song joong ki, song joongki
How handsome can he be!!!
Song Joong Ki was a recent guest for Star Date on KBS World!!
I swear he’s getting more handsome! And look at those girls.. ahaha I wish I was there — oops sorry about that, that’s just the fan girl talking. But seriously this guy is so handsome and he’s looking younger! Sooo handsome! and the smile.. ok ok I’ll stop.
But I do hope he becomes better as an actor. I mean he’s not yet as good as the veterans in the Korean drama and movie world, but he can act. He just needs more exposure and LEAD ROLES! I do want to see more of him playing the lead in the dramas. He did quite well in Sungkyungkwan scandal, I think he can do good in other roles.
Oh that eye smile! Song Joong Ki!!!!!!!!!!! kkk
**credits: kbsworld@yt
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New Jo In Sung photos (from his recent fan meet)
07 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in asian, jo in sung, korean, stars Tags: asian, jo in sung, korean
OMG!!! (screams from a fan girl!)
We all know that Jo In Sung has been discharged from the military right? So I decided to commence stalking mode to check what has he been up to in the days since the discharge.
Well apparently he had a recent fan meeting held last July 31 with the attendance of some 600 hundred fans! OMG! Can I like be there?!?!?!
So during the fan meeting, he greeted his fans who have been waiting for him and serenaded them with a song (I’m dying of envy now). He also informed his fans of the recent activities he will be participating, one is the filming of his new movie Fist Fighting. I can’t contain that giddy feeling of anticipating watching his movie! It definitely has been a long time.
And the fans also presented him with a cake to celebrate his birthday, which by the way is on July 28.
Hurray! He’s back.. He’s back!
*credits: dramabeans.com + sidusHq
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Be Mine (Dance Version) – Infinite
03 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in asian, infinite, korean, kpop Tags: asian, infinite, korean, kpop
So this song has been released (and promoted) by Infinite for a few weeks now, but I am more excited to see the dance version!
This is the video of the dance version of Be Mine (내꺼하자).
Why the dance version? Actually I was hoping for one and so I delayed posting it. To me Infinite is one of the best Kpop boy groups who can perform a new, fresh, well choreographed and well coordinated dance routine. They are one of those boy bands who look very fluid, charismatic and graceful when they dance. I have seen their performance in several music shows already and have been wanting to see a dance MV version. I’m happy that Woolim Entertainment made one!!
I absolutely love the fact that this boy group is always doing something new and fresh, and not something too cutesy. So far they only did it with She’s Back. But I think this concept looks and feels right with them — they don’t look too young and not to mature either.The sound also reminds of late 80′s and early 90′s songs i used to listen to (think New Wave). New Wave music sounds good to me, so I immediately liked the tune of the song. And it gets to your head especially the “Haja” and “Oh” parts. And did I tell you I love their dance. An Infinite song is not complete without the dance sequence that usually works like Bridge in the song (only its instrumental). They have it in Come Back Again and Before the Dawn. I love how they incorporate a little of Bboy style to it.. Kya.. I’m actually almost always anticipating that part during live broadcasts.
I am definitely looking forward to more of their music — and of course their dance!
Oh and if you want to see the other video’s version, click on this.
**credits: wooliment@yt
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Ugly – 2NE1
28 Jul 2011 3 Comments
in 2NE1, asian, korean, kpop Tags: 2NE1, asian, CL, dara, korean, kpop, minzy, park bom, sandara park
It’s not really my favorite 2NE1 song, but they have a new song out.
It’s called Ugly.
I love the girls, but I think I am not a fan of this song — well at least not too much. Sorry Blackjacks, but I don’t like the meaning of the song. To me the song is a self-pity themed one, very different from their old songs. I mean, 2NE1 songs are supposed to be screaming girl power, but a song saying “I think, I’m ugly… I wanna be pretty just like her” is not really giving empowerment to a girl. It’s just quite opposite from the 2NE1 concept that I have. The song I think is about a pathetic girl wanting to be pretty. Could they make a song like I Don’t Care??
But what I do love about this song is that they had the whole chorus in English! Wohoo!! Another first from them. Though some of the words are too much accented that I had to listen to it a few times before I can get some of the words.
About the video, again with the explosives! I would have understood it the song was screaming empower me. Like Hate You or I am the Best. But the lyrics and the video don’t really match. There was a sign there saying Ugly Girls not allowed, and then they go breaking things, breaking chains on the gate which to me could be interpreted as “I’m Ugly, so what??”. But on the other hand the song says “I think I’m Ugly… I wanna be pretty just like her”. They don’t go together! But maybe the message they want to say in the video is that it’s not good to be fake (Plastic zone anyone?). Just this is NOT the right song!! (Don’t lash me, if you don’t understand Korean, look for the translation of the song, and you’ll know why it’s not my favorite 2NE1 song)
But what I do like about the video is their use of neon glow in the dark paint! How cool can that be!
Wish they had a better song though. But this song wouldn’t stop me from being their fan. I Am the Best and I Don’t Care are still my 2 favorite 2NE1 songs.
Again these are just my opinions.. ^_^
**credits: 2NE1@yt
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Asian Food: Jjajangmyeon
27 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in asian, Asian Food, coffee prince, drama, korean, Korean Tags: asian, coffee prince, jajangmyeon, jjajangmyeon, jjapageti, korean, korean food
I am a fan of Asian cuisine. I love it more than I do European or American. I absolutely love the flavors. Because of this, I’ve decided to add something like an introduction of Asian food on my blog. I know a lot of people have it in their blogs, but I want to share also what I think about a kind of food. Thus, it will start with the first post… Jjajangmyeon.
Like my penchant for anything Korean, I also like Korean food. Actually, the first time I tried it, I was not too keen on trying it again. But the more I ate Korean, the more I liked it. And yes, I am now a convert. I buy kimchi whenever I can and I always have gim (dried laver) stock at home if I suddenly have the urge to eat. Gim is always good with hot rice!!
So for the first post, I am sharing about one of my favorite Korean dishes, the Jjajangmyeon.
What is it?
The Jjajangmyeon 짜장면 (spelled also as Jajangmyeon자장면) is noddles with black sauce. It is a Chinese Korean dish made of wheat noodles topped with a thick sauce made of chunjang (a salty black soybean paste). It is said to have been invented in the city of Incheon in a restaurant called Gonghwachun (공화춘). According to Lonely Planet, the restaurant is still there and it’s one of the places to visit to when you do a Chinatown walking tour in Incheon.
Some people might be scared with the appearance because of the black sauce. But i tell you it’s delicious, though it’s not for those who don’t like salty food (sometimes it’s salty because of the chujang). Most Korean food are spicy and hot, but Jjajangmyeon isn’t so it’s safe to eat. It is sometimes cooked with vegetables and a little meat and then served with yellow colored pickled radishes (another one of my favorites).
The Jjajangmyeon is a very popular dish in Korea. I think you would recognize it if you saw the drama Coffee Prince. Who would ever forget the eating contest scene??
An interesting thing in Korea is that there is something called Black Day, it’s held every April 14. All the single ladies, put your hand up because this is the die when single Korean ladies eat Jjajangmyeon, or any dish that has Jjajang (the black sauce).
How to Make Jjajangmyeon?
I really suck at cooking so I can’t make an instruction video. But hallelujah for youtube because there are a lot of people posting up instructional videos.
This is the best how to make jjajangmyeon video I’ve seen. She makes it look simple and her English is clear.
Good luck to making your own Jjajangmyeon! ㅋㅋㅋ
The Jjapageti 짜파게티
For people who can’t cook like me, there is always an alternative. And Korea, they have instant Jjajangmyeon, the Jjapageti.
It comes in two packs, the one you see above and in cup noodle form.
Usually the one in the cup noodle is prepared like cooking the noddles in hot water and then draining it leaving only a little water so a sauce base can be made and then mixing it all together.
But a Korean friend taught me a better and more delicious way to prepare it using the microwave. Open the lid, add the flavoring, put hot water (maybe half , just enough water to cook the noodles), then pop it to the microwave for 4-5 minutes. It’s really better than the old way of cooking jjapageti!
So that’s the Jjajangmyeon. If you have tried it but you think it’s too salty, try to visit another Korean restaurant. I have tried lots here in my place before I finally found one that suited my taste perfectly.
Hope this little introduction helps. ^_^
**credits: Maangchi@yt + wikipedia + lonelyplanet + as tagged
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Siwon’s Teaser Photo..
27 Jul 2011 1 Comment
in asian, korean, kpop, super junior Tags: asian, korean, kpop, mr. simple, siwon, super junior
I’m switching to my fan girl mode because they released the teaser of Siwon for the new Super Junior album. Finally!!!
Two words: CHOCOLATE ABS!! kk
Well that’s to me.. I thought his photo would be released last as he may be in mourning because his grandma died over the weekend. But it is work…
But then again I am a fan.. and I now have a reason to be fan-girling! kk I can’t wait for August 2!
According to the article in allkpop, the title track for the groups 5th album is Mr. Simple. I can’t wait to hear it! OMG I’m at it again…
I think ELFs all over the world are as excited as I am.. why is August 2 too long! kk
**credits: allkpop.com + as tagged
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